Watch out. Y’all. This post could burn you because it’s about a hot take. I can’t help that trucks give me feelings. Journalists have shared that declining V8 engine sales could be because drivers want other options. However, I think it’s due to limited availability. 

Yes, V8 engine sales are down but is it due to drivers? 

There has been a massive decline in V8 engine sales, especially in full-size trucks. According to The Drive, 64.6% of truck registrations in 2020 included models with bereft V8 engines. But in 2024, that figure dropped to 38%. 

During the same period, registrations for trucks with V6 engines increased from 32.4% to 47.6%. So, on the surface, it seems like drivers decided to go with six-cylinder units instead of V8 options. 

However, can we talk about the limited availability of trucks with V8 power? The Toyota Tundra dropped its V8 in 2022. As a result, sales sank. 

Ford began cutting V8 options as well but didn’t cut the entire lineup. The 5.0-liter and 5.2-liter engines are still available on more expensive trim levels. 

Also, the Ram 1500 dropped the beloved V8 HEMI engines and its truck sales immediately plummeted. Fans were so upset that Ram decided to bring the HEMI back this year. 

General Motors decided to keep V8 engines around for Chevrolet and GMC trucks, and they have increased sales.However, the most popular GM truck engine is the standard 2.7-liter unit. I’m assuming that prices have a role to play in that. 

Automakers have been forced to go greener by developing engines to meet higher emission standards. Without that pressure, I don’t think sales would have decreased.